Bermuda grass is the preferred warm-season turf for Oklahoma, prized for its exceptional tolerance to the state’s intense summer heat and frequent dry periods. Successfully establishing this grass from seed is highly dependent on timing, as it requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. Rushing the process or delaying it too long can result in failure, making a precise seeding schedule a requirement for a dense, healthy lawn.
Determining the Optimal Seeding Window
Bermuda grass seed requires a consistently warm environment to break dormancy and germinate reliably. The single most important factor is the soil temperature, which must be sustained at 65°F to 70°F at a four-inch depth. This necessary soil warmth typically translates to a calendar window beginning around May 1st in Oklahoma, and extends through mid-July for most of the state.
Seeding too early, before the soil has reached the minimum temperature of 65°F, leaves the new seeds vulnerable to late spring cold snaps or frosts that can kill delicate seedlings. Conversely, waiting too late in the summer, past mid-July, does not allow sufficient time for the young grass to develop a robust root system before the first fall frost pushes it into winter dormancy. The optimal seeding period is therefore late spring to early summer, between May and June.
Essential Ground Preparation
Before any seed is applied, the planting area must be prepared to ensure the best possible start for the new lawn. This preparation process begins with removing all existing vegetation and weeds, which may require a non-selective herbicide application timed well in advance of the seeding date. Proper timing of herbicide use is important, as some products can prevent the Bermuda grass seed from germinating.
A soil test should be conducted to determine the existing pH level and nutrient profile. Bermuda grass thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral range of 5.8 to 7.0. Based on the test results, soil amendments like lime or elemental sulfur can be incorporated to adjust the pH into the optimal range. Finally, the soil surface should be lightly tilled or aerated to about four to six inches, which helps break up compaction and ensures the seed can achieve good contact with the soil.
Successful Seeding Application and Initial Care
The application process should begin with a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer, such as a formula with a high middle number (P), which is critical for root development in new seedlings. This fertilizer should be incorporated into the topsoil just before or simultaneously with the planting of the seed. A broadcast spreader should be used to evenly distribute hulled Bermuda grass seed at a rate of approximately 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for a new lawn.
After spreading, the seed should be lightly raked or rolled to ensure it is covered by no more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil, maximizing seed-to-soil contact. The two weeks following seeding require a specific and intensive watering regimen. The goal is to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, which typically requires multiple, short watering sessions—two to four times daily for five to ten minutes—until the seeds have visibly sprouted.
Establishing the Lawn: First-Year Maintenance
Once the Bermuda grass seedlings have emerged and reach a height of about 1.5 inches, the first mowing should occur, cutting the grass back to approximately one inch. This initial cut is important as it encourages the young plants to spread laterally rather than growing vertically, which is crucial for forming a dense turf.
A second application of fertilizer, transitioning from the starter formula to a maintenance fertilizer with a higher nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio, should be applied about four to eight weeks after germination to support ongoing growth. As the grass matures, the watering strategy must transition from the light, frequent schedule to a deeper, less frequent approach. This change encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil profile, which is necessary for long-term drought tolerance during Oklahoma’s hot summers. A mature lawn typically requires about one inch of water per week, applied in a single, deep soaking session that promotes a resilient and established stand of turf.